FOUNTAIN INN, S.C. (May 14, 2015) — AVX Corporation, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive components and interconnect solutions, has added a new 1206 chip size and extensive new voltage, clamping voltage, and energy ratings to its Glass Encapsulated TransGuard® and TransGuard Automotive Series multilayer varistors. Comprised of zinc oxide (ZnO) based ceramic semiconductor devices with non-linear, bi-directional voltage-current (V–I) characteristics similar to those of back-to-back Zener diodes, both multilayer varistor series provide bi-directional overvoltage protection and EMI/RFI attenuation in a single SMT package, exhibit high current and energy handling capabilities, and are glass encapsulated to provide enhanced resistance against harsh environments and processes, including acids, salt, and chlorine flux. Both series also exhibit sub 1nS response times to ESD strikes, multi-strike capabilities, low leakage, and excellent solderability; and the AEC-Q200 qualified TransGuard Automotive Series also delivers high reliability performance and high energy absorption (load dump).

Available in four chip sizes (1206, 1210, 1812, and 2220), with energy ratings spanning 0.4–12J, and with peak current ratings spanning 150–2,000A, both the Glass Encapsulated TransGuard and TransGuard Automotive Series multilayer varistors are ideal for use in DC motor, sensor, and relay applications, in addition to a host of other harsh environment applications that can benefit from the impermeable protection that glass encapsulation provides. Newly rated for 16–85V, the Glass Encapsulated TransGuard Series is also well suited for use in alarm, controller, smart grid, and IC protection applications, in addition to a broad range of commercial, industrial, and professional applications. Newly rated for 16–65V, with load dump energy rating up to 25J, the Glass Encapsulated TransGuard Automotive Series is qualified to AEC-Q200 and ideal for use in commercial, hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, as well as for electrical control unit (ECU), LIN BUS, and various other automotive applications.

“Our Glass Encapsulated TransGuard and TransGuard Automotive Series varistors feature a unique, high-energy, monolithic multilayer construction that provides state-of-the-art bi-directional circuit protection from voltage transients caused by ESD, lightning, inductive switching, automotive related transients, and other disruptions, as well as EMI/RFI attenuation in the off-state,” said Jiri Machanicek, technical marketing manager at AVX. “The significant addition of 36 new components , adding over 70% more options to the combined series, extends their unique, high-reliability circuit protection capabilities into a much broader range of even higher energy and higher current applications.”

RoHS-compliant and rated for operating temperatures ranging from -55°C to 125°C, both the Glass Encapsulated TransGuard and TransGuard Automotive Series multilayer varistors are supplied with Ni/Sn plated terminations on 7” or 13” tape and reel for automated placement. Parts are available in 1206 to 2220 case sizes with 13 voltage ratings spanning 16–85V, energy ratings spanning 0.4–12J, and peak current ratings spanning 150–2,000A. In addition, TransGuard Automotive Series parts are available with load dump energy ratings spanning 1.5–25J and jump start voltage ratings spanning 27.5–48V.